How do I answer garbled questions?

HamsterInWheel

My dad's dementia is getting worse.  Today he's been asking me garbled question that don't make any sense, such as "What are the seeds?" or "What are the seas?"  How do I answer questions like this?

RanchersWife

“Yes.”   “I don’t know right now.”   “Do you want some ice cream?”  “Here’s a cookie.”  

My loved one doesn’t even say actual words anymore other than “yes, no and hi.”  She does ask me questions but I don’t know what she’s asking. I reply with a calm, soothing answer. 

mommyandme (m&m)

Communication is one of my biggest struggles.  I’ve learned that just going with it and validating, acknowledging and responding is the best I can do.  Sometimes I can tell I didn’t quite answer appropriately then I kind of reorganize and change the subject or answer better.  

I feel your pain. 

May flowers

Sometimes I just say, “I’ll have to think about that one and let you know!”

Sometimes we get an unfinished sentence too - like he will say “I think I need to…” and just stop. Then it is a guessing game, but just like that, he’s gone again.

GothicGremlin

Sometimes I really have no idea what my sister is trying to say to me.  I usually just smile and agree with her, and then move to "your hair looks really pretty today," or something like that.  If it's something that really does require some other kind of answer I'll fall back on "hmm, I don't know. Let me find out."